Home Exchange Locations: Putting Potential Dangers into Perspective

Q: I have been corresponding with an American woman for the last few weeks and both our families are excited by the idea of arranging a home exchange for August. I was ready to confirm our definite agreement to go ahead and buy our flight tickets when I heard the terrible news about the mass shootings at a college in Virginia on Monday. I know, rationally, that my concerns are probably unfounded but, as we've not travelled to the US before, reading the statistics in the paper about the number of guns in circulation in the US and the number of murders has really alarmed me (a mother's instinct to protect her children!) I really don't want to disappoint these members. They sound lovely and kind and their home looks great but I am in a real dilemma right now. I can't keep them waiting for a decision much longer. What do you suggest? - Joan, England

A: Although, ultimately, you will have to decide yourself whether you want to go ahead with the exchange, try to step back a bit from the tragic news we've heard this week from Virginia. It is very difficult for us this side of the Atlantic to understand why there is not more outrage and demands for stricter gun control laws in the USA. But, try to put your concerns on this issue into perspective. Remember how the number of tourists visiting London dropped (albeit for a short period) immediately after the bombings on the transport network two years ago? The vast majority of Londoners continued to use the Tube and buses simply because the bomb attacks, although horrendous for those involved, actually directly affected a relatively small number of people, with many more driving into the city likely to die or be injured than those who continue to use the public transport system. It's all a matter of weighing up the risks and, of course, being alert to possible dangers wherever we live or travel.

Contact your American exchange partner right away, expressing your sorrow at the college shootings and also letting her know your own worries, asking for reasurrance that her neighbourhood is safe. You do need to accept that, just as you won't be able to give her 100% assurance that there are no possible dangers in your own area, neither can she. One of the great advantages of home exchange is the local knowledge that will be shared by your exchange partner, and most likely her friends and neighbours too, including useful advice on any areas to avoid and the safest and best places to visit with your children. Hopefully, you will decide not to let one tragic news story put you off what is likely to be a wonderful home exchange holiday for your family in the USA.